KAMPALA UGANDA: A fresh political and environmental storm has emerged in Uganda, following President Yoweri Museveni’s endorsement of Hamis Kiggundu’s controversial plan to redevelop and cover the Nakivubo Drainage Channel in Kampala. The endorsement has sparked fierce criticism from Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago, who has branded the project as “illegal and fraudulent.”
The Project and Presidential Endorsement
On August 2, 2025, President Museveni wrote a letter to Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, describing Kiggundu’s proposal as “imaginative and simple.” He gave the green light for Kiggundu to clean, cover, and strengthen the Nakivubo channel at his own cost. Museveni suggested that Kiggundu could recover his investment by constructing properties above the drainage corridor.
In his letter, Museveni stated, “What a really godly proposal? How will he recover his money? Simple. Allow him to build properties above it that will bring back the money.” He also directed relevant government agencies to support Kiggundu in executing the plan.
Lukwago’s Criticism and Legal Concerns
Kampala Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago has strongly opposed the project, accusing Kiggundu of bypassing the Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA) and the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA). He described the project as illegal and fraudulent, stating that the redevelopment lacks the legal basis and violates environmental safeguards.
Lukwago has called on KCCA and NEMA to intervene and stop the project immediately. He warned that altering the Nakivubo channel without proper environmental assessment could worsen Kampala’s flooding crisis.
“The project lacks legal basis and violates environmental safeguards. I call upon KCCA and NEMA to intervene and stop it immediately,” Lukwago said, further accusing the government of “state capture” of urban governance.
Environmental Concerns Over Nakivubo Channel Redevelopment
Experts in urban planning and environmental protection have raised alarms about the potential consequences of covering the Nakivubo channel without proper safeguards. Although redevelopment of the channel has been long overdue, covering it could lead to disastrous flooding and increased public health risks.
Open channels, despite their appearance, allow stormwater to flow freely, expose blockages for clearance, and prevent pressure build-up. Covering the channels, experts argue, often restricts water flow and creates “choke points” where plastics and solid waste accumulate unseen, leading to catastrophic flooding.
Potential Impact on Public Health
Enclosed channels could reduce oxygenation, encouraging the build-up of methane and toxic gases, while also trapping sewage, oil, and industrial waste. This could worsen urban pollution and exacerbate public health problems. Kampala already suffers from annual floods that displace residents, damage property, and spread waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid.
Critics also point to Kiggundu’s past projects, which have been linked to blocked drainage and pollution, as evidence that unchecked development could further exacerbate public health hazards. “Flood waters don’t negotiate with buildings,” said one urban planner.
NEMA’s Role and Regulatory Concerns
Uganda’s environmental laws require an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) before any alterations are made to natural drainage systems. The question now arises whether NEMA will allow Museveni’s approval to override the regulatory standards, or if the rule of law on environmental protection will prevail.
Conclusion
The controversy over the Nakivubo Channel redevelopment has brought to light significant concerns about urban planning, environmental protection, and government transparency. While President Museveni has endorsed Kiggundu’s project as a patriotic initiative, Lukwago and environmental experts warn of potential long-term consequences. The decision will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications for Kampala’s infrastructure, the environment, and public health, and will require careful consideration by KCCA, NEMA, and other stakeholders involved in urban governance and environmental protection.
